Sinziana Velicescu is a photographer and filmmaker based in Los Angeles, California. She is a graduate of the University of Southern California with a B.A. in Comparative Literature and Film. Her photography explores human intervention with nature in landscapes that have undergone political, social, or environmental change.
We featured images from her series 'A tree grows in' on the @worldphotoorg feed.
Hi Sinziana. Please introduce your self and your photography to our audience
I am a photographer and filmmaker based in Los Angeles, CA.
Tell us about the series of images we featured. Do you have a favourite, and why?
'A tree grows in' is an observation of trees growing in unusual places. Often times they are comical landscaping choices intended to beautify otherwise unappealing industrial or commercial spaces. There is a disturbing quality to the photographs though, as if the plants are asking for help, or to be moved from their locations.
My favorite of the series is the two palm trees against a moody sky. It stands out from the series and might use a bit of explanation, but I took the photo during a big fire near LA that made the sky feel apocalyptic which was an unusual contrast to Los Angeles’s usual blue skies.
Why photography? What does the medium mean to you?
I am more of an observer than a creator so photography provides the perfect medium for me in the sense that I don't have to start from scratch when I'm making art. There is however a sense of creation in the observation. I wouldn't consider myself a straight documentarian, but photography helps limit the number of variables which helps me reach my desired level of focus and creativity.
Do you have a photographic philosophy?
Shoot carefully, take some time to take in the world and observe places and subject matter quietly.
What inspires you?
I love ominous architecture, minimal paintings, and graphic design.
sinzianavelicescu.com
@casualtimetravel
@worldphotoorg
